Nothing is more durable than the dynasty of Doubt; for he reigns in the hearts of all his people, but gives satisfaction to none of them, and yet he is the only despot who can never die, while any of his subjects live.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Nothing more completely baffles one who is full of trick and duplicity than straigthforward and simple integrity in another. A knave would rather quarrel with a brother knave than with a fool, but he would rather avoid a quarrel with one honest man than with both. He can combat a fool by management and address, and he can conquer a knave by temptations. But the honest man is neither to be bamboozled nor bribed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Integrity confounds deceitful individuals, as it stands out and is unyielding.
This quote reflects the idea that those who are deceitful or manipulative find it challenging to deal with people who are genuinely honest and straightforward. While dishonest individuals may navigate interactions within their own kind, they recognize a truly honest person as an insurmountable challenge, as such a person cannot be deceived or influenced to compromise their values.
Themes
IntegrityHonestyDeceitTruthDuplicity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in discussions about ethics during a business meeting.
More from Charles Caleb Colton
All quotes →It is astonishing how much more people are interested in lengthening life than improving it.
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The benevolent have the advantage of the envious, even in this present life; for the envious man is tormented not only by all the ill that befalls himself, but by all the good that happens to another; whereas the benevolent man is the better prepared to bear his own calamities unruffled, from the complacency and serenity he has secured from contemplating the prosperity of all around him.
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Happiness, that grand mistress of the ceremonies in the dance of life, impels us through all its mazes and meanderings, but leads none of us by the same route.
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Our minds are as different as our faces. We are all traveling to one destination: happiness, but few are going by the same road.
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Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
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